Are you thinking about a nursing career but don’t know the many specialties out there? Nursing has grown a lot, offering many specialized roles. You might be interested in anesthesia, midwifery, geriatrics, or even working in a courtroom. Start exploring the top nursing specialties to find the right fit for your skills and interests.

Key Takeaways

• Nursing specialties let nurses work with specific patient groups or handle certain tasks.
• Many nursing jobs have similar duties and can be found in places other than hospitals.
• Some nursing specialties pay more and have more job openings than others.
• Things like your education, certifications, and where you live can affect nursing specialty jobs.
• The nursing field is always changing, with new specialties coming up to match healthcare’s evolving needs.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are top-notch nurses with advanced skills. They are key in healthcare. CRNAs earn the most among advanced nurses. They give anesthesia to patients, check their health, and watch over those under anesthesia.

Overview

CRNAs know how to handle airways, give different anesthetics, and work on ventilators. They can be the only ones giving anesthesia in some rural hospitals in the U.S. CRNAs take care of patients of all ages, making sure they are safe and the procedure goes well.

How to Become

To become a CRNA, you need a lot of time and hard work. First, you must get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which takes four years. Then, you need one to two years of nursing experience before applying to a nurse anesthesia program.

These programs take 3-4 years to finish. Students learn about giving anesthesia, taking care of patients, and more. After finishing, they pass a big exam to become a CRNA.

CRNAs must keep learning to stay certified. They do this through ongoing education to keep up with new discoveries in their field.

Job Growth and Salary

The job market for nurse anesthetists is booming, with a 38% growth expected from 2022 to 2032. This is because more people need anesthesia services, especially in rural areas where CRNAs are often the main anesthesia providers.

CRNAs are very well-paid. On average, they make $179,000 a year in the U.S., as of November 2023, according to Payscale.

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)

The aging baby boomer population is growing fast, leading to a big need for healthcare providers focused on older adults. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners (AGNPs) are key in meeting this need. They focus on the full care of elderly patients, offering services from basic to complex care.

Role and Responsibilities

AGNPs get special training to handle the health issues older people often face. They can:

• Do full health checks and evaluations
• Diagnose and treat both sudden and ongoing health problems
• Write prescriptions and order tests
• Manage chronic diseases and provide comfort care
• Organize care across different healthcare places
• Teach patients and their families how to prevent diseases and promote health

AGNPs work in many places like hospitals, nursing homes, rehab centers, and clinics. They make sure older adults get the special care they need.

Educational Requirements

To be an AGNP, you need a valid RN license and an MSN degree first. Here’s how to become one:

1. Finish a BSN degree program
2. Work as a registered nurse for at least a year
3. Go to an accredited MSN program with a focus on adult-gerontology care
4. Get certified as an AGNP through the ANCC or AANP

AGNPs also need a valid RN license, an MSN degree, and a national board certification in adult-gerontology care.

The job outlook for adult-gerontology nurse practitioners is bright, with a 52% growth expected from 2019 to 2029. This makes it one of the fastest-growing jobs in the US. With more older people needing specialized care, AGNPs will have great job opportunities in various healthcare settings.

The healthcare world is changing, and the skills of adult-gerontology nurse practitioners will become more important. They bring advanced clinical skills, a focus on the whole person, and a commitment to patient care. AGNPs are set to play a key role in improving the lives of older adults.

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are key in women’s healthcare. They are certified nurse midwives who focus on prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care for women and babies. More women are choosing natural childbirth and birthing centers, making CNMs more in demand.

Job Description

A certified nurse midwife keeps track of pregnant women’s health. They manage labor and delivery, give postpartum care, and look after newborns. CNMs also do gynecological exams, help with family planning, and provide primary healthcare for women at all life stages.

Qualifications

RNs who want to become CNMs need a graduate degree in midwifery from an accredited program. They also need certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board. Getting a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can improve their career and pay chances.

Career Outlook

The job outlook for nurse midwives is very strong, with a 738% growth expected from 2022-2032, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). CNMs earn an average of $104,100, as of November 2023, according to Payscale.

“The role of CNM was ranked among the best healthcare jobs available as of 2022 by U.S. News & World Report.”

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

A Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is a key figure in healthcare, offering care to patients at all life stages. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners says about 70% of nurse practitioners pick this path. It’s a top choice for nursing pros.

To be an FNP, one must first get an RN license. Then, finish a graduate nursing degree and pass the FNP exam. The job outlook for nurse practitioners, including FNPs, looks strong, with a 38% growth from 2022-2032, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Their average salary is $102,560, as of November 2023, according to Payscale.

FNPs work in many places like clinics, community health centers, and colleges. They can also focus on areas like pediatric care, geriatric care, and mental health. The field of telemedicine is also open to them.

“FNPs play a vital role in providing comprehensive, patient-centered care to individuals and families throughout their lifespan. Their advanced skills and knowledge make them indispensable members of the healthcare team.”

The FNP-C exam by the AANP costs $290 for members and $365 for non-members. The FNP-BC exam by the ANCC costs less for AANP members but more for others.

The FNP specialty is growing fast, with a 45% increase in jobs over the next decade. Nurse practitioners in the U.S. earn an average of $107,000 a year, making this career very appealing and fulfilling.

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners (WHNPs) are advanced nurses who focus on women’s health. They provide primary care and handle reproductive, obstetric, and gynecologic care for women of all ages. Their knowledge in women’s health and the growing need for specialized care make their career bright.

Scope of Practice

WHNPs offer many healthcare services. These include annual exams, managing birth control, testing for sexually transmitted infections, prenatal and postpartum care, and treating gynecological conditions. They work with their patients to improve their health and meet their unique needs at every stage of life.

Training and Certification

To become a WHNP, one must first get an RN license and then finish a graduate nursing degree with WHNP training. After that, they need to pass a certification exam from the National Certification Corporation (NCC). This exam tests knowledge in areas like physical assessment, primary care, gynecology, obstetrics, pharmacology, and professional issues.

Employment Prospects

The job outlook for nurse practitioners, including WHNPs, is expected to grow by 38% from 2022-2032, as stated by the BLS. WHNPs are in high demand and can work in many places, like doctor’s offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, schools, and other healthcare settings. On average, WHNPs earn $100,730, as reported by Payscale in November 2023.

“Nurses play a vital role in promoting women’s health, and WHNPs are at the forefront of this important work. Their expertise and commitment to patient-centered care make them invaluable members of the healthcare team.”

Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) plays a key role in healthcare organizations. They oversee the daily operations, strategic planning, and growth of the nursing department. CNOs link nursing staff, hospital leaders, and the healthcare team together.

Duties and Responsibilities

CNOs have many duties, including:

• Creating and putting nursing policies and best practices into action
• Overseeing and checking nursing staff to ensure top-quality patient care
• Handling budgets and healthcare technology to work better
• Working with other leaders to bring new ideas and change to the organization
• Making sure the organization follows rules and gets accredited
• Speaking up for nurses and showing their important role in healthcare

Career Path

Reaching the top as a Chief Nursing Officer is the highest goal in nursing leadership. CNOs usually have an RN license and a graduate degree in nursing, health administration, or business. Some might get an MSN/MHA dual degree for more skills. The job growth for CNOs is 28% from 2022-2032, says the BLS. CNOs earn an average of $135,020, as of November 2023, on Payscale.

To be a Chief Nursing Officer, nurses need 5+ years of management experience. The journey includes clinical nursing, more education, and leadership roles in healthcare.

“The Chief Nursing Officer is responsible for leading the nursing department and ensuring the highest quality of patient care.”

Nurse Administrator

Nurse administrators are key in healthcare, offering vital support and expertise. They manage nursing operations, from hiring and training staff to making policies and handling budgets.

Job Description

Nurse administrators handle many tasks. They recruit and train staff, check on performance, and manage budgets. They also create policies, connect different departments, and make sure patient care meets standards. They work in offices, not directly with patients.

Educational Requirements

• Nurse administrators usually start with an undergraduate degree in nursing or related fields.
• Many need a master’s degree in healthcare administration or similar fields like MSN or DNP.
• Certifications include the Nurse Executive certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the Executive Nursing Practice certification from the American Organization of Nurse Executives.

Salary Expectations

The average salary for nurse administrators is $93,690, as of November 2023, according to Payscale. Salaries vary from $58,518 to $121,870 a year, based on experience, education, and the organization’s size and location. The job growth for these roles is expected to be 28% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average, as per the BLS.

“Nurse administrators are essential in ensuring the efficient and effective operation of healthcare organizations, contributing to the delivery of high-quality patient care.”

Nurse Attorney

For those who love nursing and law, becoming a nurse attorney is a great choice. These professionals link the medical and legal worlds. They offer unique skills that many need.

As a nurse attorney, you could work in hospitals, law firms, or even start your own practice. Your skills as a nurse and lawyer let you handle many legal issues in healthcare. This includes patient rights, malpractice, and healthcare policy.

To be a nurse attorney, start with a BSN degree and get an RN license. Then, get a law degree (JD) from a good law school. After passing the bar exam, you’re set to make a difference with your medical and legal knowledge.

The average salary for nurse attorneys in the U.S. is $98,330. Salaries can range from $40,500 to $192,000, based on experience and location. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the job will grow by 8% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than average.

The need for nurse attorneys is rising. This is due to new healthcare laws, complex malpractice cases, and the need for legal expertise in healthcare. If you’re into both nursing and law, a nurse attorney career could be right for you.

“Nurse attorneys combine nursing and legal knowledge to address issues related to patient rights, healthcare regulations, malpractice claims, healthcare policy development, and risk management.”

Nurse Educator

Nurse educators are key in shaping the future of nursing. They blend their clinical skills with a love for teaching. These professionals work in schools, universities, and healthcare settings. They aim to tackle the growing nursing shortage.

Roles and Responsibilities

The job of a nurse educator includes:

• Creating and teaching nursing courses
• Designing fun learning activities and tests
• Teaching clinical skills and mentoring nursing students
• Checking on student progress and giving feedback
• Keeping up with new nursing practices and research
• Working with healthcare groups to match education with industry needs

Qualifications

Most nurse educators have a valid RN license and either a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree in nursing education. Some schools look for nurse educators with doctoral-level training. They might also want a Ph.D. degree focused on research.

The job outlook for postsecondary teachers, like nurse educators, is 8% from 2022-2032, says the BLS. The average salary for these educators is $82,850, as of November 2023, on Payscale.

“Nurse educators are key in solving the nursing shortage by training the next nurses. Their skills and hard work are vital for top-quality patient care.”

What are the nursing specialties?

Nursing is a wide field with many specializations for those who love healthcare. There are over 100 nursing specialties, each with its own focus and career path.

The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a top choice. They give anesthesia and watch over patients during surgery. CRNAs make about $195,610 a year and their jobs are growing by 16%.

The Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) focuses on adults and seniors. They give full care, covering physical, emotional, and social needs. AGNPs work in clinics, hospitals, and care homes.

The Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is highly respected. They help with pregnancy, childbirth, and care for new moms and babies. CNMs work in birthing centers, hospitals, or private offices.

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) cares for patients of all ages. They work in clinics, hospitals, and private offices, making about $123,780 a year.

There are many other specialties like Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP), Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), and Nurse Educator. Each specialty has its own path and makes a big difference in patient care.

The nursing field is always changing, with new specialties coming up. This lets nurses find a career that fits their interests and helps patients a lot.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sees more nurses needed in all areas. This is because of an aging population, more focus on prevention, and more chronic conditions. Nurses have many specializations to choose from, each with its own career path and chance to help patients a lot.

Pain Management Nurse

Pain management nurses are key in healthcare, focusing on helping patients with pain. They work with doctors, physical therapists, and others to create pain management plans. Their main tasks include checking how much pain patients feel, giving the right pain medicines, and teaching patients and families how to handle pain.

Job Duties

Pain management nurses have many tasks. Some of these include:

• Using tools to check how much pain patients feel
• Giving out pain medicines like opioids and NSAIDs
• Watching how patients react to pain treatments and changing plans if needed
• Working with other healthcare workers to make and use pain management plans
• Telling patients and their families about ways to manage pain, not just with medicine
• Keeping records of care and pain management steps taken
• Making sure patients get the right care for their pain needs

Training and Certification

Pain management nurses can start with a valid RN license and either an ADN or BSN degree, plus two years of pain management RN experience. Getting certified in pain management is not required but shows extra skill and dedication. The job growth for registered nurses, including pain management nurses, is 6% from 2022-2032, says the BLS, and the average salary is $136,930, as per Salary.com in November 2023.

To be a certified pain management nurse, you must:

1. Have a valid RN license
2. Work as an RN in pain management for at least 2 years
3. Do 2,000 hours of clinical work in pain management in the last 3 years
4. Get 30 hours of pain management continuing education in the last 3 years
5. Pass the Pain Management Nursing Certification (PMGT-BC) exam by the ANCC

“Pain management nurses are key in healthcare, offering specialized skills and caring for patients with pain.”

Neonatal Nurse

Neonatal nurses are key in healthcare, caring for premature and newborn babies with special needs. They work in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). Here, they use their skills to help fragile infants and support their families in tough times.

Work Environment

Neonatal nurses usually work in hospitals, especially in NICUs. They team up with doctors, therapists, and social workers. Their job is to watch over the babies, give them medicine, and do what’s needed to keep them healthy.

Skills and Qualifications

Neonatal nursing needs an ADN or BSN degree and a valid RN license. Getting the critical care RN-neonatal certification can open up more job options. These nurses need skills like quick thinking, being flexible, and making fast decisions. They also need to communicate well, be empathetic, and work well on long shifts, even on holidays and nights.

The job outlook for neonatal nurses looks good, with a 6% growth from 2022-2032, says the BLS. The average pay for neonatal nurses is $135,950, as per Payscale.

“Neonatal nursing provides RNs with a rewarding career improving the life chances of infants and assisting families during stressful times.”

Nurse Researcher

Nurse researchers are key in healthcare, working to make patient care better. They study to improve nursing and healthcare systems. They look into many areas, like using evidence in practice, patient outcomes, and new technologies.

Research Areas

Nurse researchers focus on several key areas:

• Evidence-based practice: They check if nursing methods work well to give top-quality care.
• Patient outcomes: They study what affects patients’ health and happiness.
• Quality improvement: They find ways to make healthcare better and cheaper.
• Innovative technologies: They look into how new tech can help nursing and patient care.

Career Paths

Nurse researchers usually have a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing and an RN license. They work in schools, hospitals, or research centers, making about $95,000 a year, says Payscale.

To start, they finish a four-year BSN program. Then, they work as nurses for two years before getting a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing. This takes another two to three years.

They might also get special certifications like CRC or CCRA. These show they’re experts and can earn more.

“Nurse researchers have a rewarding career that allows for measurable improvements in patients’ health and advocacy for patient well-being throughout the research process.”

Conclusion

The nursing profession has many specialties, each with its own needs, duties, and career paths. Nurses can choose from critical care, pain management, to neonatal nursing. These specialties let nurses find their perfect fit and grow in healthcare.

Whether you want to care for the elderly, manage chronic conditions, or work in a busy critical care unit, nursing has something for you. Roles like nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists are in demand. They offer great pay and career growth.

It’s important to keep learning and growing in healthcare. The field is always changing to meet patient and healthcare system needs. As you look into nursing specialties, think about what you love, your strengths, and your career goals.

Choosing a nursing specialty that matches your goals and passions can bring you deep satisfaction. With the right education, certification, and experience, nursing can lead to a fulfilling and varied career in healthcare.